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= Makani Wilingarr = Makani Wilingarr was an Aboriginal artist from Australia, whose life spanned from 1905 to 1984. He was a prominent figure in the tradition of bark painting, a significant art form within Aboriginal culture, particularly in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Early Life and Background
There is limited information available about Wilingarr's early life, it is known that he was part of the Mildjingi cultural group. His community was located in Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, which is a region known for its rich tradition of bark painting and other forms of Indigenous art.

Art Style and Techniques
Wilingarr's art style is deeply rooted in the Aboriginal tradition of bark painting. This form of art involves the use of natural materials, such as the inner bark of certain trees, which is harvested, cured, and then painted with natural pigments. The subjects of bark paintings often include elements of the natural world, ancestral beings, and traditional stories that are significant to the artist's clan and culture. Wilingarr's works are characterized by their depiction of traditional subjects, such as local fauna and flora, as well as ancestral stories. His paintings often feature animals like fish and stingrays, as seen in his work "Fish and stingrays, circa 1950", and other elements of the natural world, such as "March fly, circa 1950s" and "Malwanatharra (Sandy Beach), circa 1950". These works not only showcase his artistic skill but also serve as a visual representation of the deep connection between the Aboriginal people and their land.

Notable Works and Exhibitions
Makani Wilingarr's artwork has been recognized and exhibited in various institutions. Notable works by Wilingarr include:


 * "Ngarra minytji (Ngarra ceremony design)"
 * "March fly, circa 1950s"
 * "Malwanatharra (Sandy Beach), circa 1950"
 * "Fish and stingrays, circa 1950"
 * "Wagilak story, circa 1960"

These pieces are part of the collection at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which holds a total of 16 works by the artist.

Legacy
Makani Wilingarr's legacy is preserved through the continued appreciation and study of his artwork. His contributions to the tradition of bark painting have helped to maintain and share the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land. His works are not only artistic expressions but also serve as historical documents that provide insight into the lives, beliefs, and environment of his community. The significance of bark painting and its role in the cultural expression of Aboriginal Australians has been recognized in exhibitions such as "Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala," which premiered at the Hood Museum of Art in September 2022. While this exhibition does not specifically mention Wilingarr, it highlights the importance of the art form he practiced and contributed to throughout his life. In summary, Makani Wilingarr was a significant Aboriginal artist whose bark paintings reflect the rich cultural traditions of his community in Arnhem Land. His works continue to be celebrated and studied, ensuring that his legacy and the cultural significance of his art endure.